India is all set&nbsp;to strike gold at the upcoming Paris Olympics as 21 shooters will compete for 27 medals in the French Capital. One of the medal aspirants for India is 22-year-old Manu Bhaker who will compete in three disciplines. While India will look to end its 12-year wait for an Olympic medal in shooting, Manu can script history by becoming the first woman to record the feat when she takes to the shooting ranges in Paris. She spoke exclusively to WION’s Aditya Pimpale and reflected on her preparations for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The 22-year-old will compete in three disciplines – 10m pistol, 25m pistol and 25m pistol team event. If she can shoot from point-blank range, Manu will script history and secure India’s fifth medal in shooting in its rich history.

<h2>Question: How is the morale in the camp, what colour of the medal and how many are you bringing back to India?</h2>

Answer: The morale has been high in the camp, here we are focusing on how we can get the right things at the right place. Our main focus has been on our strengths, where we lack and where we can still improve. Speaking of the medal, nothing is guaranteed yet, but anything can happen so my focus will be on giving my best and clinching glory by striking a medal at the Paris Olympics.

<h2>Question: You struck gold in the 25 metres&nbsp;at the World Championships last year in Baku, are you expecting to repeat the same feat?</h2>

Answer: Yes, I have been working hard to get the medals for India because you observed last year, I achieved a lot of success at the International Championships and Asian Championships. But the Olympics will be a different challenge for me and I am looking forward to it eagerly having waited for three years, so I want to give my best shot.

<h2>Question: You clinched two gold medals at the Youth Olympics in 2018 including gold, so will&nbsp;history repeat?</h2>

Answer: Yes, I remember that as I also was the flag bearer for India. This is technically my third Olympics and I am desperate to add to those gold and silver medals I clinched back in 2018. The motivation is there to repeat the feat, but I know I have to punch above my weight to get to the next level.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/suryakumar-yadav-set-to-become-indias-t20i-captain-instead-of-hardik-pandya-for-sri-lanka-tour-741531">Suryakumar Yadav set to become India's T20I captain instead of Hardik Pandya for Sri Lanka tour</a>

<h2>Question: Competing in multiple disciplines in 10-metre&nbsp;and 25-metre, is there an added pressure on you before the games?</h2>

Answer: Honestly, it has been tough competing in multiple disciplines but again as I mentioned I have been doing it for the last 7-8 years, so it is not that difficult now. However, I have to be prepared both physically and mentally since I will be competing on nine consecutive days in three different events. &nbsp;

<h2>Question: You could script history by becoming the first female to win a medal at the Olympics in shooting, so is that an added incentive for you?</h2>

Answer: To be honest, I would really love to claim that feat, but it is just not me but everyone who is travelling to Paris for the Olympics deserves to win a medal. In sports, you are not jealous of anyone or you are not trying to compete with each other but you are trying to get the best out of the other person. Winning on a personal note will be great but I wish we return with tons of medals with other Indian fellow mates during the Paris Olympics.

India is all set to strike gold at the upcoming Paris Olympics as 21 shooters will compete for 27 medals in the French Capital. One of the medal aspirants for India is 22-year-old Manu Bhaker who will compete in three disciplines.

India is all set to strike gold at the upcoming Paris Olympics as 21 shooters will compete for 27 medals in the French Capital. One of the medal aspirants for India is 22-year-old Manu Bhaker who will compete in three disciplines. While India will look to end its 12-year wait for an Olympic medal in shooting, Manu can script history by becoming the first woman to record the feat when she takes to the shooting ranges in Paris. She spoke exclusively to WION’s Aditya Pimpale and reflected on her preparations for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The 22-year-old will compete in three disciplines – 10m pistol, 25m pistol and 25m pistol team event. If she can shoot from point-blank range, Manu will script history and secure India’s fifth medal in shooting in its rich history. Question: How is the morale in the camp, what colour of the medal and how many are you bringing back to India? Answer: The morale has been high in the camp, here we are focusing on how we can get the right things at the right place. Our main focus has been on our strengths, where we lack and where we can still improve. Speaking of the medal, nothing is guaranteed yet, but anything can happen so my focus will be on giving my best and clinching glory by striking a medal at the Paris Olympics. Question: You struck gold in the 25 metres at the World Championships last year in Baku, are you expecting to repeat the same feat? Answer: Yes, I have been working hard to get the medals for India because you observed last year, I achieved a lot of success at the International Championships and Asian Championships. But the Olympics will be a different challenge for me and I am looking forward to it eagerly having waited for three years, so I want to give my best shot. Question: You clinched two gold medals at the Youth Olympics in 2018 including gold, so will history repeat? Answer: Yes, I remember that as I also was the flag bearer for India. This is technically my third Olympics and I am desperate to add to those gold and silver medals I clinched back in 2018. The motivation is there to repeat the feat, but I know I have to punch above my weight to get to the next level. ALSO READ | Suryakumar Yadav set to become India's T20I captain instead of Hardik Pandya for Sri Lanka tour Question: Competing in multiple disciplines in 10-metre and 25-metre, is there an added pressure on you before the games? Answer: Honestly, it has been tough competing in multiple disciplines but again as I mentioned I have been doing it for the last 7-8 years, so it is not that difficult now. However, I have to be prepared both physically and mentally since I will be competing on nine consecutive days in three different events. Question: You could script history by becoming the first female to win a medal at the Olympics in shooting, so is that an added incentive for you? Answer: To be honest, I would really love to claim that feat, but it is just not me but everyone who is travelling to Paris for the Olympics deserves to win a medal. In sports, you are not jealous of anyone or you are not trying to compete with each other but you are trying to get the best out of the other person. Winning on a personal note will be great but I wish we return with tons of medals with other Indian fellow mates during the Paris Olympics.

EXCLUSIVE: Manu Bhaker gets ready to end India's 12-year wait for shooting medal at Paris Olympics

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday congratulated a number of Indian wrestlers and shooters for their medal-winning performance in international championships.

Modi tweeted, "Congratulations to Shivani, Anju, Divya, Radhika and Nisha for winning medals at the Wrestling Championships in Belgrade. Their performance is special and will contribute to wrestling becoming even more popular across India."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/issf-presidents-cup-manu-bhaker-and-irans-javad-foroughi-win-air-pistol-mixed-team-gold-427148">ISSF President's Cup: Manu Bhaker and Iran's Javad Foroughi win Air Pistol Mixed Team gold</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Congratulations to Shivani, Anju, Divya, Radhika and Nisha for winning medals at the Wrestling Championships in Belgrade. Their performance is special and will contribute to wrestling becoming even more popular across India. <a href="https://t.co/pI6aByu2ZB">https://t.co/pI6aByu2ZB</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1458284093385236488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

In another tweet he added, "Congratulations to @realmanubhaker, @SarnobatRahi, @SChaudhary2002 and @abhishek_70007 for wining medals at the @ISSF_Shooting President's Cup in Poland. The people of India are proud of their stupendous performance. Best wishes to these athletes for their future endeavours."&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/realmanubhaker?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realmanubhaker</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/SarnobatRahi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SarnobatRahi</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/SChaudhary2002?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SChaudhary2002</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/abhishek_70007?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@abhishek_70007</a> for wining medals at the <a href="https://twitter.com/ISSF_Shooting?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ISSF_Shooting</a> President’s Cup in Poland. The people of India are proud of their stupendous performance. Best wishes to these athletes for their future endeavours. <a href="https://t.co/7hyHnDs0yM">pic.twitter.com/7hyHnDs0yM</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1458285219576836098?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday congratulated a number of Indian wrestlers and shooters for their medal-winning performance in international championships.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday congratulated a number of Indian wrestlers and shooters for their medal-winning performance in international championships. Modi tweeted, "Congratulations to Shivani, Anju, Divya, Radhika and Nisha for winning medals at the Wrestling Championships in Belgrade. Their performance is special and will contribute to wrestling becoming even more popular across India." ALSO READ: ISSF President's Cup: Manu Bhaker and Iran's Javad Foroughi win Air Pistol Mixed Team gold Congratulations to Shivani, Anju, Divya, Radhika and Nisha for winning medals at the Wrestling Championships in Belgrade. Their performance is special and will contribute to wrestling becoming even more popular across India. https://t.co/pI6aByu2ZB — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 10, 2021 × In another tweet he added, "Congratulations to @realmanubhaker, @SarnobatRahi, @SChaudhary2002 and @abhishek_70007 for wining medals at the @ISSF_Shooting President's Cup in Poland. The people of India are proud of their stupendous performance. Best wishes to these athletes for their future endeavours." Congratulations to @realmanubhaker, @SarnobatRahi, @SChaudhary2002 and @abhishek_70007 for wining medals at the @ISSF_Shooting President’s Cup in Poland. The people of India are proud of their stupendous performance. Best wishes to these athletes for their future endeavours. pic.twitter.com/7hyHnDs0yM — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 10, 2021 ×

PM Modi congratulates U-23 Wrestling Championship and ISSF Shooting President Cup medal winners

India's woman pistol ace Manu Bhaker and Iran's reigning Olympic champion Javad Foroughi, won the 10M Air Pistol Mixed Team Gold at the ongoing International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) President`s Cup Rifle/Pistol in Wroclaw, Poland, late on Friday.

The Indo-Iranian pair got the better of the French-Russian duo of Mathilde Lamolle and Artem Chernousov 16-8 in the gold medal match. Manu and Javad had placed third in the qualification with a combined 582/600 to qualify for the first semi-final where they topped the field of four pairs to make it to the final.

Lamolle and Artem came through by winning the second semi-final.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/issf-junior-shooting-world-championship-india-confirm-top-place-finish-with-30-medals-419374">ISSF Junior Shooting World Championship: India confirm top place finish with 30 medals</a>

Among the other Indians in the field, Abhishek Verma paired up with Ukrainian Olena Kostevych to finish sixth while the pairing of Saurabh Chaudhary and Swiss Heidi Gerber Diethelm also made it among the top eight semi-finalists to finish seventh.

Yashaswini Deswal, the fourth Indian in the fray, who was paired with Slovakian Juraj Tuzinsky, ended 10th among the 12 teams in the competition.

International Mixed Teams were formed by the ISSF randomly in accordance with the draw. In the day`s other medal event, China`s Lihao Sheng and Romania`s Laura-Georgeta Ilie won the 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team competition.

The inaugural ISSF President`s Cup is a rechristened version of the ISSF World Cup Finals, where the year`s top 12 athletes according to World Ranking are invited to determine the best individual athletes of the year in the respective Olympic events.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/issf-junior-world-championship-manu-bhaker-shines-as-four-golds-take-india-to-top-of-medal-standings-417884">ISSF Junior World Championship: Manu Bhaker shines as four golds take India to top of medal standings</a>

Individual winners will be awarded The Golden Target along with prize money. Cash awards will also be awarded to all athletes in the individual competitions.

Saturday, day three of competitions, has the first of four individual finals on schedule. Indian interests lie in the Men`s and Women`s 10m Air Pistol competitions where Manu has made it to the semi-finals along with both Saurabh and Abhishek in the Men`s competition.&nbsp;

India's woman pistol ace Manu Bhaker and Iran's reigning Olympic champion Javad Foroughi, won the 10M Air Pistol Mixed Team Gold at the ongoing International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) President`s Cup Rifle/Pistol in Wroclaw, Poland, late on Friday.

India's woman pistol ace Manu Bhaker and Iran's reigning Olympic champion Javad Foroughi, won the 10M Air Pistol Mixed Team Gold at the ongoing International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) President`s Cup Rifle/Pistol in Wroclaw, Poland, late on Friday. The Indo-Iranian pair got the better of the French-Russian duo of Mathilde Lamolle and Artem Chernousov 16-8 in the gold medal match. Manu and Javad had placed third in the qualification with a combined 582/600 to qualify for the first semi-final where they topped the field of four pairs to make it to the final. Lamolle and Artem came through by winning the second semi-final. ALSO READ: ISSF Junior Shooting World Championship: India confirm top place finish with 30 medals Among the other Indians in the field, Abhishek Verma paired up with Ukrainian Olena Kostevych to finish sixth while the pairing of Saurabh Chaudhary and Swiss Heidi Gerber Diethelm also made it among the top eight semi-finalists to finish seventh. Yashaswini Deswal, the fourth Indian in the fray, who was paired with Slovakian Juraj Tuzinsky, ended 10th among the 12 teams in the competition. International Mixed Teams were formed by the ISSF randomly in accordance with the draw. In the day`s other medal event, China`s Lihao Sheng and Romania`s Laura-Georgeta Ilie won the 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team competition. The inaugural ISSF President`s Cup is a rechristened version of the ISSF World Cup Finals, where the year`s top 12 athletes according to World Ranking are invited to determine the best individual athletes of the year in the respective Olympic events. Also Read: ISSF Junior World Championship: Manu Bhaker shines as four golds take India to top of medal standings Individual winners will be awarded The Golden Target along with prize money. Cash awards will also be awarded to all athletes in the individual competitions. Saturday, day three of competitions, has the first of four individual finals on schedule. Indian interests lie in the Men`s and Women`s 10m Air Pistol competitions where Manu has made it to the semi-finals along with both Saurabh and Abhishek in the Men`s competition.

ISSF President's Cup: Manu Bhaker and Iran's Javad Foroughi win Air Pistol Mixed Team gold

Manu Bhaker shone bright as India claimed four gold medals out of the six on offer, along with two silvers, to surge to the top of the medal standings at the ISSF Junior World Championship&nbsp;here on Sunday.

India swept the 10m air pistol medal events, including the mixed, women's, and men's team competitions as well the 10m air rifle men's team gold, to end the day with six gold, six silver, and two bronze medals.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/issf-junior-world-championship-indian-womens-team-wins-gold-in-skeet-mens-team-bags-bronze-417600">ISSF Junior World Championship: Indian women's team wins gold in skeet, men's team bags bronze</a>

The USA is lying second with four gold, four silver, and two bronze. 
Bhaker was at the heart of the Indian performance winning two more golds on the day. She now has a total of three golds from the Championship.

After partnering with Sarabjot Singh to win gold in the Pistol Mixed Team, she teamed up with Rhythm Sangwan and Shikha Narwal to win the 10m air pistol women's team event, beating Belarus 16-12 in the gold medal match.

The men's air pistol team then also struck gold with Naveen, Sarabjot Singh and Shiva Narwal putting it across the Belarussian men 16-14.

Earlier in the day, the junior men's 10m Air Rifle team had also won gold. 
The women's 10m air pistol team event saw India dominate as it had topped round one of qualification earlier with a combined 1722 after 180 shots and then round two on Saturday shooting 569 to Belarus' 568.

In the final, although it was even at the start, the Indians finished strong to seal the victory.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jr-world-championship-indias-ganemat-sekhon-wins-silver-in-womens-skeet-417455">Jr World Championship: India's Ganemat Sekhon wins silver in women's skeet</a>

In the men's 10m air pistol team event, India were as dominating winning round one and round two before pulling off a tight gold medal match against Belarus yet again.

In the women's 10m air rifle team event India's Nisha Kanwar, Zeena Khitta and Atmika Gupta, did top the first qualification round but qualified for the gold match finishing second to the Hungarian trio of Eszter Mezaros, Eszter Denes and Lea Horvath, in round two.

The Hungarians maintained that superiority in the final to strike gold, their first of the competition.

It was also Atmika's second silver of the day as she had teamed up with Rajpreet Singh in the day's first medal event, the 10m air rifle mixed team, to finish second there as well.

Rajpreet, in fact, also now has one gold and one silver medal in his kitty.

Manu Bhaker shone bright as India claimed four gold medals out of the six on offer, along with two silvers, to surge to the top of the medal standings at the ISSF Junior World Championship here on Sunday.

Manu Bhaker shone bright as India claimed four gold medals out of the six on offer, along with two silvers, to surge to the top of the medal standings at the ISSF Junior World Championship here on Sunday. India swept the 10m air pistol medal events, including the mixed, women's, and men's team competitions as well the 10m air rifle men's team gold, to end the day with six gold, six silver, and two bronze medals. Also read: ISSF Junior World Championship: Indian women's team wins gold in skeet, men's team bags bronze The USA is lying second with four gold, four silver, and two bronze. Bhaker was at the heart of the Indian performance winning two more golds on the day. She now has a total of three golds from the Championship. After partnering with Sarabjot Singh to win gold in the Pistol Mixed Team, she teamed up with Rhythm Sangwan and Shikha Narwal to win the 10m air pistol women's team event, beating Belarus 16-12 in the gold medal match. The men's air pistol team then also struck gold with Naveen, Sarabjot Singh and Shiva Narwal putting it across the Belarussian men 16-14. Earlier in the day, the junior men's 10m Air Rifle team had also won gold. The women's 10m air pistol team event saw India dominate as it had topped round one of qualification earlier with a combined 1722 after 180 shots and then round two on Saturday shooting 569 to Belarus' 568. In the final, although it was even at the start, the Indians finished strong to seal the victory. Also read: Jr World Championship: India's Ganemat Sekhon wins silver in women's skeet In the men's 10m air pistol team event, India were as dominating winning round one and round two before pulling off a tight gold medal match against Belarus yet again. In the women's 10m air rifle team event India's Nisha Kanwar, Zeena Khitta and Atmika Gupta, did top the first qualification round but qualified for the gold match finishing second to the Hungarian trio of Eszter Mezaros, Eszter Denes and Lea Horvath, in round two. The Hungarians maintained that superiority in the final to strike gold, their first of the competition. It was also Atmika's second silver of the day as she had teamed up with Rajpreet Singh in the day's first medal event, the 10m air rifle mixed team, to finish second there as well. Rajpreet, in fact, also now has one gold and one silver medal in his kitty.

ISSF Junior World Championship: Manu Bhaker shines as four golds take India to top of medal standings

India`s Manu Bhaker and experienced Rahi Sarnobat bowed out of the Tokyo Olympic Games 25m pistol final on Friday after finishing 15th and 32nd respectively following two days of qualification at the Asaka Shooting Range here. 
 
This was the Indian pistol shooters` final event at Tokyo 2020. India`s gold drought in shooting, which started at the 2016 Rio Olympics, has continued in Tokyo so far and only a few events are left for the country`s shooters to salvage their pride.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/condom-helps-an-australian-athlete-win-gold-at-the-tokyo-olympics-watch-401663" hreflang="en">Condom helps an Australian athlete win gold at the Tokyo Olympics - WATCH</a> 
 
Only the top-eight from the qualifying round make it to the eight-shooter finals. 
 
Before taking aim at the Akasa Shooting Range on Friday, Manu was placed fifth in the overall standings with a score of 292/300 in Thursday`s precision round. Rahi, on the other hand, started from her overnight position of 25th with 287 points. 
 
Manu fired 96, 97 and 97 in her three rapid-fire series and accumulated 290/300. With a total score of 582/600, she missed the final qualification mark by just two points. 
 
Rahi, on the other hand, scored 286 in the rapid-fire round to finish with a cumulative score of 573 in the qualifying round. 
 
Bulgaria`s Antoaneta Kostadinova, the silver medallist in women`s 10m air pistol, topped the qualifying with 590 points, followed by China`s Xiao Jiaruixuan and ROC`s Vitalina Batsarashkina, who won the 10m air pistol gold medal. 
 
South Korea`s Minjung Kim was the eighth shooter to make the final cut. 
 
Manu and Rahi`s exit has ended the Indian pistol shooters` campaign at the Olympics. Any medal hopes for India in shooting now rests on the men`s and women`s 50m rifle 3 positions shooters.

India`s Manu Bhaker and experienced Rahi Sarnobat bowed out of the Tokyo Olympic Games 25m pistol final on Friday after finishing 15th and 32nd respectively following two days of qualification at the Asaka Shooting Range here.

India`s Manu Bhaker and experienced Rahi Sarnobat bowed out of the Tokyo Olympic Games 25m pistol final on Friday after finishing 15th and 32nd respectively following two days of qualification at the Asaka Shooting Range here. This was the Indian pistol shooters` final event at Tokyo 2020. India`s gold drought in shooting, which started at the 2016 Rio Olympics, has continued in Tokyo so far and only a few events are left for the country`s shooters to salvage their pride. ALSO READ: Condom helps an Australian athlete win gold at the Tokyo Olympics - WATCH Only the top-eight from the qualifying round make it to the eight-shooter finals. Before taking aim at the Akasa Shooting Range on Friday, Manu was placed fifth in the overall standings with a score of 292/300 in Thursday`s precision round. Rahi, on the other hand, started from her overnight position of 25th with 287 points. Manu fired 96, 97 and 97 in her three rapid-fire series and accumulated 290/300. With a total score of 582/600, she missed the final qualification mark by just two points. Rahi, on the other hand, scored 286 in the rapid-fire round to finish with a cumulative score of 573 in the qualifying round. Bulgaria`s Antoaneta Kostadinova, the silver medallist in women`s 10m air pistol, topped the qualifying with 590 points, followed by China`s Xiao Jiaruixuan and ROC`s Vitalina Batsarashkina, who won the 10m air pistol gold medal. South Korea`s Minjung Kim was the eighth shooter to make the final cut. Manu and Rahi`s exit has ended the Indian pistol shooters` campaign at the Olympics. Any medal hopes for India in shooting now rests on the men`s and women`s 50m rifle 3 positions shooters.

Tokyo Olympics: Manu Bhaker, Rahi Sarnobat fail to make it to 25m pistol finals

India`s ace shooters Manu Bhaker and Rahi Sarnobat are currently placed 5th and 18th respectively in the women`s 25m pistol qualification (precision), here at the Asaka Shooting Range on Thursday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-boxer-satish-kumar-advances-into-the-quarter-finals-after-beating-jamaicas-ricardo-brown-401332" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics: Boxer Satish Kumar advances into the quarter-finals after beating Jamaica's Ricardo Brown</a>

Manu Bhaker amassed 292 points at an average of 9.733 after shooting 30 shots on the target in the precision round while compatriot Rahi Sarnobat gathered 287 in the qualifications. The second stage of the qualification -- the rapid round -- will take place on Friday.

The top-8 players in the qualification will go to the final. Currently, Serbia`s Zorana Arunovic leads the pack with 296 points, followed by Greece`s Anna Korakaki who has 294.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-2021-pv-sindhu-storms-into-quarterfinals-after-defeating-mia-blichfeldt-401318" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics 2021: PV Sindhu storms into quarterfinals after defeating Mia Blichfeldt</a>

Rahi who was in the first relay of 10 shooters started the precision round with a 96 and followed it with 97. With an 8 and bunch of 9s, she dropped a 94 in the final series of precision. Her total in the precision rounds was 287/300 which placed Rahi 7th out of 10 in her relay.

In the third relay, Manu had a very good start as the 19-year-old star Indian shooter shot back to back 97 in the first two series. With just two 9 in the third round, Bhaker accumulated 98 points to climb into the top-5.&nbsp;

India`s ace shooters Manu Bhaker and Rahi Sarnobat are currently placed 5th and 18th respectively in the women`s 25m pistol qualification (precision), here at the Asaka Shooting Range on Thursday.

India`s ace shooters Manu Bhaker and Rahi Sarnobat are currently placed 5th and 18th respectively in the women`s 25m pistol qualification (precision), here at the Asaka Shooting Range on Thursday. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: Boxer Satish Kumar advances into the quarter-finals after beating Jamaica's Ricardo Brown Manu Bhaker amassed 292 points at an average of 9.733 after shooting 30 shots on the target in the precision round while compatriot Rahi Sarnobat gathered 287 in the qualifications. The second stage of the qualification -- the rapid round -- will take place on Friday. The top-8 players in the qualification will go to the final. Currently, Serbia`s Zorana Arunovic leads the pack with 296 points, followed by Greece`s Anna Korakaki who has 294. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics 2021: PV Sindhu storms into quarterfinals after defeating Mia Blichfeldt Rahi who was in the first relay of 10 shooters started the precision round with a 96 and followed it with 97. With an 8 and bunch of 9s, she dropped a 94 in the final series of precision. Her total in the precision rounds was 287/300 which placed Rahi 7th out of 10 in her relay. In the third relay, Manu had a very good start as the 19-year-old star Indian shooter shot back to back 97 in the first two series. With just two 9 in the third round, Bhaker accumulated 98 points to climb into the top-5.

Tokyo Olympics: Manu Bhaker placed 5th, Rahi on 18th after 1st round of qualification in women's 25m pistol

India's hopes of getting a medal in the shooting were dashed after Manu Bhaker and Saurabh Chaudhary failed to qualify for the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team Qualification medal rounds as the Indian shooting contingent faced disappointment on July 27 (Tuesday) despite performing well in stage 1. They finished at the seventh spot.&nbsp;

The pair had a poor start in the stage two and shot a total of 380 in Qualification stage 2 which was not enough&nbsp;to qualify and progress further.

In the first series of Qualification stage 2, Saurabh shot a total of 96 while Manu shot 92 and they were positioned at eighth place by the end of series 1. In series two, Saurabh shot 98 while Bhaker finished with 94.&nbsp;

Also note that both Manu Bhaker and Saurabh Chaudhary have suffered heartbreaks in their respective individual categories.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-gymnasts-from-germany-opt-for-full-body-suits-to-promote-freedom-of-choice-400810" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics: Gymnasts from Germany opt for full-body suits to promote freedom of choice</a>

Now,&nbsp;The top two in the Qualification stage 2 will contest for the gold medal, while the third and fourth-placed teams will contest for the bronze medal.

Earlier, the pair made a promising start after they progressed to Qualification stage 2 of the event after registering a total score of 582 in Qualification stage 1 at the Asaka Shooting - 10m Range.&nbsp;

Apart from Bhaker and Chaudhary, the other Indian pair of Yashaswini Deswal and Abhishek Verma however bowed out after finishing at the 17th spot.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
10m Air Pistol mixed team of <a href="https://twitter.com/realmanubhaker?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realmanubhaker</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/SChaudhary2002?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SChaudhary2002</a> finish qualification round 2 at 7th place with a score of 380. 
Stay tuned for more <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tokyo2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tokyo2020</a> updates.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cheer4India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cheer4India</a>
— SAIMedia (@Media_SAI) <a href="https://twitter.com/Media_SAI/status/1419828905058332674?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

In Qualification Stage 1, Saurabh finished his first series of 10-shots with a total score of 92 while Manu Bhaker's score after the first series read 97. In the second series, Saurabh and Manu shot 100 and 94 respectively. In the final series, the 19-year-old Saurabh shot 92 while Bhaker finished with a score of 95.&nbsp;

India's hopes of getting a medal in the shooting were dashed after Manu Bhaker and Saurabh Chaudhary failed to qualify for the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team Qualification medal rounds as the Indian shooting contingent faced disappointment on July 27 (Tuesday) despite performing well in stage 1.

India's hopes of getting a medal in the shooting were dashed after Manu Bhaker and Saurabh Chaudhary failed to qualify for the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team Qualification medal rounds as the Indian shooting contingent faced disappointment on July 27 (Tuesday) despite performing well in stage 1. They finished at the seventh spot. The pair had a poor start in the stage two and shot a total of 380 in Qualification stage 2 which was not enough to qualify and progress further. In the first series of Qualification stage 2, Saurabh shot a total of 96 while Manu shot 92 and they were positioned at eighth place by the end of series 1. In series two, Saurabh shot 98 while Bhaker finished with 94. Also note that both Manu Bhaker and Saurabh Chaudhary have suffered heartbreaks in their respective individual categories. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: Gymnasts from Germany opt for full-body suits to promote freedom of choice Now, The top two in the Qualification stage 2 will contest for the gold medal, while the third and fourth-placed teams will contest for the bronze medal. Earlier, the pair made a promising start after they progressed to Qualification stage 2 of the event after registering a total score of 582 in Qualification stage 1 at the Asaka Shooting - 10m Range. Apart from Bhaker and Chaudhary, the other Indian pair of Yashaswini Deswal and Abhishek Verma however bowed out after finishing at the 17th spot. 10m Air Pistol mixed team of @realmanubhaker and @SChaudhary2002 finish qualification round 2 at 7th place with a score of 380. Stay tuned for more #Tokyo2020 updates.#Cheer4India — SAIMedia (@Media_SAI) July 27, 2021 × In Qualification Stage 1, Saurabh finished his first series of 10-shots with a total score of 92 while Manu Bhaker's score after the first series read 97. In the second series, Saurabh and Manu shot 100 and 94 respectively. In the final series, the 19-year-old Saurabh shot 92 while Bhaker finished with a score of 95.

Tokyo Olympics: Manu Bhaker, Saurabh Chaudhary fail to qualify for mixed-team 10m air pistol Qualification medal rounds

After Mirabai Chanu's memorable silver medal in weightlifting lifted Indian competitors' spirits on the first day of the season of the Tokyo Olympics, India hopes to further develop their medal count with numerous events arranged on Day 2.&nbsp;

Following a disillusioning day for the Indian shooting contingent on Day 1, everyone was focused on Manu Bhaker and Yashaswini Singh Deswal as they were the first to compete on Day 2.&nbsp;

ALS0 READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-dutch-rowing-coach-tests-positive-for-covid-19-400429" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics 2020: Dutch rowing coach tests positive for COVID-19</a>

Although, it was an appalling beginning to the day for India as Manu Bhaker and Yashaswini Deswal both failed to qualify for the women's 10m air pistol final. Manu with 575 points completed 12th while Yashaswini Singh Deswal finished 13th with 574 points.

The two of them glanced in great touch, yet couldn't make the most of it. Manu Bhaker, specifically, got going in a glorious style before the pistol malfunction perplexed her. Yashaswini, then again, was a slight bit inconsistent and that likely hurt her odds.

The 19-year-old needed an X in her final shot but she shot an eight that unfortunately knocked her out of the competition. It was a tough day for Manu Bhaker as confronted a technical glitch and didn't shoot for five minutes in her third series.&nbsp;

France's Celine Goberville took the final qualification spot with a score of 577 and 15X.&nbsp;Meanwhile, China's Ranxin Jiang broke the Olympic record with a total of 587. She finished her series off with a 100.

Indian shooting contingent, which was anticipated to be India's biggest medal-winning prospect, has drawn clear up until now. In three medal events, India has had just one finalist.

After Mirabai Chanu's memorable silver medal in weightlifting lifted Indian competitors' spirits on the first day of the season of the Tokyo Olympics, India hopes to further develop their medal count with numerous events arranged on Day 2.

After Mirabai Chanu's memorable silver medal in weightlifting lifted Indian competitors' spirits on the first day of the season of the Tokyo Olympics, India hopes to further develop their medal count with numerous events arranged on Day 2. Following a disillusioning day for the Indian shooting contingent on Day 1, everyone was focused on Manu Bhaker and Yashaswini Singh Deswal as they were the first to compete on Day 2. ALS0 READ: Tokyo Olympics 2020: Dutch rowing coach tests positive for COVID-19 Although, it was an appalling beginning to the day for India as Manu Bhaker and Yashaswini Deswal both failed to qualify for the women's 10m air pistol final. Manu with 575 points completed 12th while Yashaswini Singh Deswal finished 13th with 574 points. The two of them glanced in great touch, yet couldn't make the most of it. Manu Bhaker, specifically, got going in a glorious style before the pistol malfunction perplexed her. Yashaswini, then again, was a slight bit inconsistent and that likely hurt her odds. The 19-year-old needed an X in her final shot but she shot an eight that unfortunately knocked her out of the competition. It was a tough day for Manu Bhaker as confronted a technical glitch and didn't shoot for five minutes in her third series. France's Celine Goberville took the final qualification spot with a score of 577 and 15X. Meanwhile, China's Ranxin Jiang broke the Olympic record with a total of 587. She finished her series off with a 100. Indian shooting contingent, which was anticipated to be India's biggest medal-winning prospect, has drawn clear up until now. In three medal events, India has had just one finalist.

Tokyo Olympics: Manu Bhaker and Yashaswini Deswal fail to qualify for women's 10m Air Rifle final

One of the youngest stars of Indian sport and world no. 2 in Women’s 10-metre air pistol event in shooting, Manu Bhaker, in an exclusive interview with WION’s Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, spoke about things ranging from life in lockdown, technology in training, Tokyo Olympic postponement, bonding with Saurabh Chaudhary, idea of quarantine camp for Olympic hopefuls, and more.

Digvijay Singh Deo: How has life been for you Manu away from the hustle and bustle of Delhi that you had gotten used to over the last couple of years since you broke into the Indian team...

Manu Bhaker: I think I'm enjoying the lockdown here with my family. I do miss the shooting range, but not the hustle and bustle of Delhi, I'm delighted to be here in Charkhi Dadri.

DSD: So how have you been keeping yourself busy during this period, I imagine you must be using this time to catch up on your college studies.

Manu Bhaker: Yes, I love to study and have been doing that a lot lately. Apart from that, I'm also training regularly, so my shooting hasn't suffered to a great extent.

DSD: I was told that initially shooting was a bit of an issue, but you now have an electronic target installed and training has begun, how was that transition from a paper target to an electronic target?

Manu Bhaker: It was a massive relief when the electronic target was installed at home. It was a long wait, but I'm delighted that I now have access to technology. I'm definitely more comfortable shooting with an electronic target, as compared to a paper target. The paper target scores are also accurate, but I prefer using the electronic one.

DSD: What is your thought process at the moment while shooting. Is it just to maintain your skill levels and stay in touch with the game?

Manu Bhaker: I am working on a few weaknesses in my game, apart from that I'm just trying to train the same way i used to before the lockdown. I'm trying to cope with the situation in the best way I can and hopefully, there won't be a drop in the level of my performances in the future.

<img alt="Manu Bhaker" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b107f960-c3ba-4758-b574-a550948d6105" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_18F90E.jpg" />

DSD: What are the issues you have been working on, has this break given you an opportunity to improve certain aspects of your game?

Manu Bhaker: I haven't been home for such an extended period of time in the last three years. In a way that has given me time to work on my fundamentals- my balance, stability and follow through.&nbsp;

DSD: You must have been in touch with your coaches through this period. What has coach Jaspal Rana been telling you and how regularly are you staying in touch with him and the rest.

Manu Bhaker: Yes, I have communicated with him during this period whenever I have needed any assistance, but we aren't in touch on a daily basis.

DSD: You just turned 18 a short while back, but you have already won so much in your sport. Considering the fantastic year you had in 2018 and 2019, how did you react to the Olympic postponement, did you feel like you could win the gold for India?

Manu Bhaker: That's a tricky question. I was certainly in good form leading up to the games, but so were many other shooters. I felt like I was mentally prepared for the event to take place in 2020 and it was very disappointing for me when the postponement announcement was made, but I realise that there was no other option available to the international Olympic committee. Health has to take priority over everything else. We will get chances in the future to represent India at the games and hopefully, we will be able to maintain our performance levels.

DSD: How do you refocus now with the Olympics 14 months away, do you think it gives you a chance to expand on your shooting knowledge or is it wiser not to change things right now and continue with what was working for you.

Manu Bhaker: I'm just going with the flow. I don't think I need to bring in substantial changes to my game, I'm satisfied with my equipment as well. I was extremely excited about the events leading up to the original 2020 Olympics- the Munich World Cup, Delhi World Cup and various test events. It would have been an opportunity for me to gear up for the games. Those events were obviously cancelled and the shooting calendar has been almost wiped out, however, I don't see any reason to make considerable changes to my game during this enforced break.

DSD: Its been a meteoric rise since you won that gold in Mexico and the thing I have noticed with you is this love for competition and also winning. Right now there is no competition scheduled till the end of the year. So how do you compensate for the lack of action?

Manu Bhaker: I'm not really craving for competition at the moment, so I'm not undertaking high-intensity training sessions right now. I'm just trying to maintain my form. Before the lockdown, I used to train for 8-10 hours a day at the Karni Singh shooting range in Delhi, whereas now that time has reduced to four hours a day on an average. This will also enable me to recover from my niggles and injuries and put me in the best position to perform at a high level when international events resume.

DSD: Now ever since you picked up the gun you have been shooting non-stop, how frustrating has this hiatus been for you considering it has now almost been three months.

Manu Bhaker: I just can't wait for this lockdown period to get over. I am eagerly waiting for the health situation to improve and the national camps to begin so that I can return to some sort of normalcy.

<img alt="Manu Bhaker" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f4de107d-0560-4ef4-aac1-05d42685eafa" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_18F90I.jpg" />

DSD: You have been shooting some of these online competitions. Does it give you that same rush of shooting a proper event because where is the pressure, where is the drama that only competition can give?

Manu Bhaker: Online competitions definitely help in maintaining your skills. I would say that the pressure of competing in the same and there is still a desire to win. However, because there are no ranking points on the line and no medals up for grabs, it does affect your approach to the event. I've participated in a few of these competitions but I have missed a few of late since I have been busier with my college work.

DSD: A&nbsp;lot of your fellow Olympic quota winners are pretty young. Have you been in touch with any of them and how are they coping?

Manu Bhaker: I haven't really had the opportunity to be in touch with them since I have mostly been busy with my shooting training and college work.

DSD: A&nbsp;lot of your success in world shooting has also come in the mixed event. Now usually in a team sport, you depend on your partner, here the dynamics are different but yet you and Sourabh Chaudhary have sort of mastered this event.

Manu Bhaker: I just focus on my performance. I have faith in his ability, but I approach the mixed event the same way i approach an individual event and that has seemed to work for me so far.

DSD: Were you surprised with the level of domination you and Sourabh Chaudhary had in the mixed event in the World Cups.

Manu Bhaker: We shot world record scores at the Delhi World Cup, Asian Championships and the Munich World Cup last year. Even at the Rio World Cup, we made a brilliant comeback to win the title. It is truly remarkable that we won all four ISSF World Cup mixed team titles last year and I'm thrilled about it. It is difficult for me to put in words how delighted I am.

DSD: Now the thing I have noticed is that you are more of an extrovert than Saurabh who hardly speaks at all. So how do team dynamics work here?

Manu Bhaker: There is hardly any communication between us. We sometimes don't even greet each other when we meet, but that is how the dynamic is and both of us are comfortable with that. He and I are different individuals, but there is no problem with the team. Even when we set the world record, there was hardly any conversation between the two of us. In fact, I haven't seen Saurabh talk to anyone in the shooing team. He is an introvert and that's just the way it is.

<img alt="Manu Bhaker" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d66909bb-15eb-47ea-a359-6c5be49fc257" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_13T02I_0.jpg" />

DSD: You have achieved a lot in your career at such a young age, but it's nice to see that it hasn't changed how you are as a person, you always have your India colours on at public gatherings.

Manu Bhaker: I love my country and its people. Even in most of the functions, i prefer wearing my Team India attire. I have worn a dress at very few gatherings, only when the occasion requires me to do so.

DSD: Will you be thinking of moving to a national camp soon or do you think it is safer for you to continue training at home?

Manu Bhaker: Given the current situation, I definitely think it would be safer to stay home and train. If the camps are organised, they would probably be in Delhi or Bhopal, where the number of coronavirus cases is very high. So at the moment, I am happy to train at home.

DSD: When do you think you will feel comfortable in attending a national camp?

Manu Bhaker: I think no player will feel safe in attending a national camp till the coronavirus is contained to a considerable extent. Players will not be able to focus on their game if they are constantly worried about their health and safety. Players have to be free of mental anguish to be able to train at a high level.

DSD: There has been talk of the NRAI organising a quarantine camp where everyone stays at one place and trains with limited interaction, would you be comfortable in an environment like that?

Manu Bhaker: The idea of a quarantine camp does sound encouraging, but even in that environment, there will be people who will be moving in and out of the area, which could possibly be a danger.

DSD: At some point, do you feel like you will have to take some sort of a risk and head out to a camp, especially when the Olympics are approaching...

Manu Bhaker: If the federation does organise a camp, I hope it is only for the Olympic quota holders. We have to ensure that there are a minimum number of people in these camps so that the risk of the virus spreading is mitigated.

DSD: Do you think the NRAI&nbsp;should declare the Olympic team now so that all of you can be relaxed and focus...

Manu Bhaker: I firmly believe that the team should be announced because it would give us shooters some clarity and help us prepare better for the games. All us shooters are just waiting for the team to be announced and it will be a big relief for everyone involved. Mentally as well, it will be reassuring and will give a direction to our plans for the Tokyo Olympics.

One of the youngest stars of Indian sport and world no. 2 in Women’s 10-metre air pistol event in shooting, Manu Bhaker, in an exclusive interview with WION’s Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, spoke about things ranging from life in lockdown, technology in training, Tokyo Olympic postponement, bonding with Saurabh Chaudhary, idea of quarantine camp for Olympic hopefuls, and more.

One of the youngest stars of Indian sport and world no. 2 in Women’s 10-metre air pistol event in shooting, Manu Bhaker, in an exclusive interview with WION’s Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, spoke about things ranging from life in lockdown, technology in training, Tokyo Olympic postponement, bonding with Saurabh Chaudhary, idea of quarantine camp for Olympic hopefuls, and more. Digvijay Singh Deo: How has life been for you Manu away from the hustle and bustle of Delhi that you had gotten used to over the last couple of years since you broke into the Indian team... Manu Bhaker: I think I'm enjoying the lockdown here with my family. I do miss the shooting range, but not the hustle and bustle of Delhi, I'm delighted to be here in Charkhi Dadri. DSD: So how have you been keeping yourself busy during this period, I imagine you must be using this time to catch up on your college studies. Manu Bhaker: Yes, I love to study and have been doing that a lot lately. Apart from that, I'm also training regularly, so my shooting hasn't suffered to a great extent. DSD: I was told that initially shooting was a bit of an issue, but you now have an electronic target installed and training has begun, how was that transition from a paper target to an electronic target? Manu Bhaker: It was a massive relief when the electronic target was installed at home. It was a long wait, but I'm delighted that I now have access to technology. I'm definitely more comfortable shooting with an electronic target, as compared to a paper target. The paper target scores are also accurate, but I prefer using the electronic one. DSD: What is your thought process at the moment while shooting. Is it just to maintain your skill levels and stay in touch with the game? Manu Bhaker: I am working on a few weaknesses in my game, apart from that I'm just trying to train the same way i used to before the lockdown. I'm trying to cope with the situation in the best way I can and hopefully, there won't be a drop in the level of my performances in the future. DSD: What are the issues you have been working on, has this break given you an opportunity to improve certain aspects of your game? Manu Bhaker: I haven't been home for such an extended period of time in the last three years. In a way that has given me time to work on my fundamentals- my balance, stability and follow through. DSD: You must have been in touch with your coaches through this period. What has coach Jaspal Rana been telling you and how regularly are you staying in touch with him and the rest. Manu Bhaker: Yes, I have communicated with him during this period whenever I have needed any assistance, but we aren't in touch on a daily basis. DSD: You just turned 18 a short while back, but you have already won so much in your sport. Considering the fantastic year you had in 2018 and 2019, how did you react to the Olympic postponement, did you feel like you could win the gold for India? Manu Bhaker: That's a tricky question. I was certainly in good form leading up to the games, but so were many other shooters. I felt like I was mentally prepared for the event to take place in 2020 and it was very disappointing for me when the postponement announcement was made, but I realise that there was no other option available to the international Olympic committee. Health has to take priority over everything else. We will get chances in the future to represent India at the games and hopefully, we will be able to maintain our performance levels. DSD: How do you refocus now with the Olympics 14 months away, do you think it gives you a chance to expand on your shooting knowledge or is it wiser not to change things right now and continue with what was working for you. Manu Bhaker: I'm just going with the flow. I don't think I need to bring in substantial changes to my game, I'm satisfied with my equipment as well. I was extremely excited about the events leading up to the original 2020 Olympics- the Munich World Cup, Delhi World Cup and various test events. It would have been an opportunity for me to gear up for the games. Those events were obviously cancelled and the shooting calendar has been almost wiped out, however, I don't see any reason to make considerable changes to my game during this enforced break. DSD: Its been a meteoric rise since you won that gold in Mexico and the thing I have noticed with you is this love for competition and also winning. Right now there is no competition scheduled till the end of the year. So how do you compensate for the lack of action? Manu Bhaker: I'm not really craving for competition at the moment, so I'm not undertaking high-intensity training sessions right now. I'm just trying to maintain my form. Before the lockdown, I used to train for 8-10 hours a day at the Karni Singh shooting range in Delhi, whereas now that time has reduced to four hours a day on an average. This will also enable me to recover from my niggles and injuries and put me in the best position to perform at a high level when international events resume. DSD: Now ever since you picked up the gun you have been shooting non-stop, how frustrating has this hiatus been for you considering it has now almost been three months. Manu Bhaker: I just can't wait for this lockdown period to get over. I am eagerly waiting for the health situation to improve and the national camps to begin so that I can return to some sort of normalcy. DSD: You have been shooting some of these online competitions. Does it give you that same rush of shooting a proper event because where is the pressure, where is the drama that only competition can give? Manu Bhaker: Online competitions definitely help in maintaining your skills. I would say that the pressure of competing in the same and there is still a desire to win. However, because there are no ranking points on the line and no medals up for grabs, it does affect your approach to the event. I've participated in a few of these competitions but I have missed a few of late since I have been busier with my college work. DSD: A lot of your fellow Olympic quota winners are pretty young. Have you been in touch with any of them and how are they coping? Manu Bhaker: I haven't really had the opportunity to be in touch with them since I have mostly been busy with my shooting training and college work. DSD: A lot of your success in world shooting has also come in the mixed event. Now usually in a team sport, you depend on your partner, here the dynamics are different but yet you and Sourabh Chaudhary have sort of mastered this event. Manu Bhaker: I just focus on my performance. I have faith in his ability, but I approach the mixed event the same way i approach an individual event and that has seemed to work for me so far. DSD: Were you surprised with the level of domination you and Sourabh Chaudhary had in the mixed event in the World Cups. Manu Bhaker: We shot world record scores at the Delhi World Cup, Asian Championships and the Munich World Cup last year. Even at the Rio World Cup, we made a brilliant comeback to win the title. It is truly remarkable that we won all four ISSF World Cup mixed team titles last year and I'm thrilled about it. It is difficult for me to put in words how delighted I am. DSD: Now the thing I have noticed is that you are more of an extrovert than Saurabh who hardly speaks at all. So how do team dynamics work here? Manu Bhaker: There is hardly any communication between us. We sometimes don't even greet each other when we meet, but that is how the dynamic is and both of us are comfortable with that. He and I are different individuals, but there is no problem with the team. Even when we set the world record, there was hardly any conversation between the two of us. In fact, I haven't seen Saurabh talk to anyone in the shooing team. He is an introvert and that's just the way it is. DSD: You have achieved a lot in your career at such a young age, but it's nice to see that it hasn't changed how you are as a person, you always have your India colours on at public gatherings. Manu Bhaker: I love my country and its people. Even in most of the functions, i prefer wearing my Team India attire. I have worn a dress at very few gatherings, only when the occasion requires me to do so. DSD: Will you be thinking of moving to a national camp soon or do you think it is safer for you to continue training at home? Manu Bhaker: Given the current situation, I definitely think it would be safer to stay home and train. If the camps are organised, they would probably be in Delhi or Bhopal, where the number of coronavirus cases is very high. So at the moment, I am happy to train at home. DSD: When do you think you will feel comfortable in attending a national camp? Manu Bhaker: I think no player will feel safe in attending a national camp till the coronavirus is contained to a considerable extent. Players will not be able to focus on their game if they are constantly worried about their health and safety. Players have to be free of mental anguish to be able to train at a high level. DSD: There has been talk of the NRAI organising a quarantine camp where everyone stays at one place and trains with limited interaction, would you be comfortable in an environment like that? Manu Bhaker: The idea of a quarantine camp does sound encouraging, but even in that environment, there will be people who will be moving in and out of the area, which could possibly be a danger. DSD: At some point, do you feel like you will have to take some sort of a risk and head out to a camp, especially when the Olympics are approaching... Manu Bhaker: If the federation does organise a camp, I hope it is only for the Olympic quota holders. We have to ensure that there are a minimum number of people in these camps so that the risk of the virus spreading is mitigated. DSD: Do you think the NRAI should declare the Olympic team now so that all of you can be relaxed and focus... Manu Bhaker: I firmly believe that the team should be announced because it would give us shooters some clarity and help us prepare better for the games. All us shooters are just waiting for the team to be announced and it will be a big relief for everyone involved. Mentally as well, it will be reassuring and will give a direction to our plans for the Tokyo Olympics.

Manu Bhaker: No player will feel safe at a camp at the moment

What makes a great team? You would think that communication is the key ingredient for success. Well, the most successful Indian pairing in recent memory though follows a different path. In 2019 teenagers Manu Bhaker and Saurabh Chaudhary won gold medals at all 4 ISSF world cups in the mixed air pistol event, the first time this has happened in the sport's history. But in a chat with sports editor Digvijay Singh Deo, Bhaker revealed that the winning mantra is one of golden silence.

WION exclusive conversation with Indian Shooter Manu Bhaker | Air pistol | 2019 ISSF World Cup

The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has nominated ace shooter Anjum Moudgil for the Khel Ratna -- the country's highest sporting honour -- while recommending Jaspal Rana for the Dronacharya Award for the second year in a row.

Moudgil, the 26-year-old rifle ace who started shooting in 2008, is among the first two Indians to have secured quota places for the Tokyo Olympics.

The NRAI on Thursday said it will be sending the Sports Ministry the names of champion pistol shooters Saurabh Chaudhary, Abhishek Verma, Manu Bhaker and promising rifle shooter Elavenil Valarivan for the prestigious Arjuna Award.

Bhaker and Valarivan's names were added to the list on Thursday, according to federation sources.

NRAI President Raninder Singh said in a statement, "Our shooters had an outstanding last season and it was a particularly difficult selection to make this time around.

"I wish all those recommended all the very best and hope those who could not make it this year, force us to do so next time around with their performances.

"I believe all are equally talented and will certainly reap rich awards if they carry on the way they have." 
Bhaker and Valarivan's names were added to the list on Thursday.

"Anjum Moudgil has been nominated for Khel Ratna while the NRAI has again send Jaspal's name for Dronacharya. They have always believed that he deserves it and are hoping he gets it this time," a federation source had told PTI earlier in the day.

"Saurabh Chaudhary, Abhishek Verma, Manu Bhaker and Elavenil have been recommended for Arjuna."

Moudgil, the shooter from Chandigarh earned the quota in the 10m Air Rifle event when she won the silver medal in the ISSF World Cup in Korea in 2008.

Last year, Moudgil paired up with Divyansh Singh Panwar to claim the 10m Air Rifle mixed team gold medal in the ISSF World Cup in Munich and Beijing.

She also reached the final in the 10m Air Rifle event in the ISSF World Cup in Munich and Rio de Janeiro.

Last December, Moudgil won the title in the women's 50m 3P event at the 63rd National Shooting Championship in Bhopal.

The Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award carries a medallion, a certificate and a cash prize of Rs 7.5 lakh.

Rana's exclusion last year snowballed into a big controversy after India's only individual Olympic gold-medallist Abhinav Bindra criticised the selection panel for not finalising the seasoned coach for the Dronacharya Award.

The 43-year-old Rana, a multiple Asian Games gold-medallist marksman, is credited to have groomed the likes of teen sensations Bhaker, Saurabh and Anish Bhanwala into world-class shooters.

Ignored last time despite being the man behind the young shooters' smashing success in recent years, Rana is hoping that the selection is "fair" and the most deserving candidate is recognised.

Dronacharya awards are given to honour eminent coaches who have successfully trained sportspersons or teams and enabled them to achieve outstanding results in international competitions.

The award carries a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh.

The 30-year-old Verma, an engineer-turned-lawyer-turned-shooter secured India's fifth Olympic quota place in the sport, winning the 10m air pistol gold medal at the ISSF World Cup in Beijing last April.

Two months before that, unfazed by a field comprising some seasoned campaigners, teenager Chaudhary smashed the world record to win gold in the season's first World Cup and the country's third quota.

In the beginning of this year, Youth Olympics and Asian Games champion Chaudhary stamped his class again to win the 10m air pistol gold at the Bhopal Nationals, where Verma bagged bronze.

Verma now boasts of two World Cup gold medals, an Asian Games bronze, and an Olympic quota place.

Through last year, he also developed a great rivalry with Chaudhary as the 16-year-old grabbed the gold medals at the other two World Cups in New Delhi and Munich.

The 18-year-old Bhaker, a Youth Olympics and Commonwealth Games champion, has won a plethora of medals, including gold, in top international events in the last three years.

Remarkably enough, the teenager from Haryana shone bright in her maiden senior appearance at the ISSF World Cup, winning an individual as well a mixed gold medal in Mexico in 2018.

Like some of her compatriots, the supremely-gifted Bhaker is considered destined for bigger things and is preparing hard for the Olympics.

No less inspiring has been the rise of Valarivan, who shot her way to the women's 10m air rifle gold medal in the prestigious World Cup Final in China last year, her biggest triumph in what has been a terrific career so far.

The shooter is mentored by Olympic bronze medallist Gagan Narang.

Besides, the 20-year-old from Tamil Nadu finished on top of the podium at the Rio de Janeiro World Cup last year and claimed a silver at the 2018 World Championship in Changwon, South Korea.

The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has nominated ace shooter Anjum Moudgil for the Khel Ratna -- the country's highest sporting honour -- while recommending Jaspal Rana for the Dronacharya Award for the second year in a row.

The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has nominated ace shooter Anjum Moudgil for the Khel Ratna -- the country's highest sporting honour -- while recommending Jaspal Rana for the Dronacharya Award for the second year in a row. Moudgil, the 26-year-old rifle ace who started shooting in 2008, is among the first two Indians to have secured quota places for the Tokyo Olympics. The NRAI on Thursday said it will be sending the Sports Ministry the names of champion pistol shooters Saurabh Chaudhary, Abhishek Verma, Manu Bhaker and promising rifle shooter Elavenil Valarivan for the prestigious Arjuna Award. Bhaker and Valarivan's names were added to the list on Thursday, according to federation sources. NRAI President Raninder Singh said in a statement, "Our shooters had an outstanding last season and it was a particularly difficult selection to make this time around. "I wish all those recommended all the very best and hope those who could not make it this year, force us to do so next time around with their performances. "I believe all are equally talented and will certainly reap rich awards if they carry on the way they have." Bhaker and Valarivan's names were added to the list on Thursday. "Anjum Moudgil has been nominated for Khel Ratna while the NRAI has again send Jaspal's name for Dronacharya. They have always believed that he deserves it and are hoping he gets it this time," a federation source had told PTI earlier in the day. "Saurabh Chaudhary, Abhishek Verma, Manu Bhaker and Elavenil have been recommended for Arjuna." Moudgil, the shooter from Chandigarh earned the quota in the 10m Air Rifle event when she won the silver medal in the ISSF World Cup in Korea in 2008. Last year, Moudgil paired up with Divyansh Singh Panwar to claim the 10m Air Rifle mixed team gold medal in the ISSF World Cup in Munich and Beijing. She also reached the final in the 10m Air Rifle event in the ISSF World Cup in Munich and Rio de Janeiro. Last December, Moudgil won the title in the women's 50m 3P event at the 63rd National Shooting Championship in Bhopal. The Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award carries a medallion, a certificate and a cash prize of Rs 7.5 lakh. Rana's exclusion last year snowballed into a big controversy after India's only individual Olympic gold-medallist Abhinav Bindra criticised the selection panel for not finalising the seasoned coach for the Dronacharya Award. The 43-year-old Rana, a multiple Asian Games gold-medallist marksman, is credited to have groomed the likes of teen sensations Bhaker, Saurabh and Anish Bhanwala into world-class shooters. Ignored last time despite being the man behind the young shooters' smashing success in recent years, Rana is hoping that the selection is "fair" and the most deserving candidate is recognised. Dronacharya awards are given to honour eminent coaches who have successfully trained sportspersons or teams and enabled them to achieve outstanding results in international competitions. The award carries a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh. The 30-year-old Verma, an engineer-turned-lawyer-turned-shooter secured India's fifth Olympic quota place in the sport, winning the 10m air pistol gold medal at the ISSF World Cup in Beijing last April. Two months before that, unfazed by a field comprising some seasoned campaigners, teenager Chaudhary smashed the world record to win gold in the season's first World Cup and the country's third quota. In the beginning of this year, Youth Olympics and Asian Games champion Chaudhary stamped his class again to win the 10m air pistol gold at the Bhopal Nationals, where Verma bagged bronze. Verma now boasts of two World Cup gold medals, an Asian Games bronze, and an Olympic quota place. Through last year, he also developed a great rivalry with Chaudhary as the 16-year-old grabbed the gold medals at the other two World Cups in New Delhi and Munich. The 18-year-old Bhaker, a Youth Olympics and Commonwealth Games champion, has won a plethora of medals, including gold, in top international events in the last three years. Remarkably enough, the teenager from Haryana shone bright in her maiden senior appearance at the ISSF World Cup, winning an individual as well a mixed gold medal in Mexico in 2018. Like some of her compatriots, the supremely-gifted Bhaker is considered destined for bigger things and is preparing hard for the Olympics. No less inspiring has been the rise of Valarivan, who shot her way to the women's 10m air rifle gold medal in the prestigious World Cup Final in China last year, her biggest triumph in what has been a terrific career so far. The shooter is mentored by Olympic bronze medallist Gagan Narang. Besides, the 20-year-old from Tamil Nadu finished on top of the podium at the Rio de Janeiro World Cup last year and claimed a silver at the 2018 World Championship in Changwon, South Korea.

NRAI nominates Anjum Moudgil for Khel Ratna, Jaspal for Dronacharya Award

Manu Bhaker, Elavenil Valarivan and Divyansh Panwar brought much pride to India on Thursday by winning three golds in the ISSF World Cup Final. This is the first time in the tournament's history that the Indian team won three golds in a single day.&nbsp;

The 17-year-old Bhaker claimed gold by creating a junior world record in the 10m air pistol event. Elavenil won gold in 10m air rifle event.&nbsp; Later in the day, 17-year-old Divyansh claimed top honours in men's 10m air rifle event, with a final score of 250.1.&nbsp;

Currently, India are on the top of the table with three golds and one bronze followed by China.&nbsp;

Bhaker finished with a score of 244.7 to notch up top prize in the prestigious event of ISSF. In the same event, another Indian Yashaswini Singh Deswal came sixth. Serbia's Zorana Arunovic won silver and Quian Wang of China bagged bronze with scores of 241.9 and 221.8 respectively in women's 10m air pistol event.

In the women's 10m air rifle event, Elavenil shot a score of 250.8 to notch gold. Lin Ying-Shin of Taiwan secured silver with a score of 250.7 and Romania's Laura Georgeta Coman finished third with a score of 229. Interestingly, Ying-Shin won the qualifiers of ISSF World Cup Final where Elavenil stood second. Another Indian Mehuli Ghosh finished third in the 10m air rifle category.

Later in the day, Divyansh, who finished third in the qualifiers, bagged gold with a score of 250.1 in a neck and neck fight with Hungary's Istvan Peni (250). Slovakia's Patrik Jany secured bronze with 228.4 points.&nbsp;

India faced disappointment in men's 10m air pistol event where both Abhishek Verma and Saurabh Chaudhary couldn't able to end up with the medals. Verma came first in the qualification but finished fifth in the finals with a score of 179.4. Chaudhary was seventh in the qualification and finished with the sixth spot (159.8).&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Manu Bhaker, Elavenil Valarivan and Divyansh Panwar brought much pride to India on Thursday by winning three golds in the ISSF World Cup Final. This is the first time in the tournament's history that the Indian team won three golds in a single day.

Manu Bhaker, Elavenil Valarivan and Divyansh Panwar brought much pride to India on Thursday by winning three golds in the ISSF World Cup Final. This is the first time in the tournament's history that the Indian team won three golds in a single day. The 17-year-old Bhaker claimed gold by creating a junior world record in the 10m air pistol event. Elavenil won gold in 10m air rifle event. Later in the day, 17-year-old Divyansh claimed top honours in men's 10m air rifle event, with a final score of 250.1. Currently, India are on the top of the table with three golds and one bronze followed by China. Bhaker finished with a score of 244.7 to notch up top prize in the prestigious event of ISSF. In the same event, another Indian Yashaswini Singh Deswal came sixth. Serbia's Zorana Arunovic won silver and Quian Wang of China bagged bronze with scores of 241.9 and 221.8 respectively in women's 10m air pistol event. In the women's 10m air rifle event, Elavenil shot a score of 250.8 to notch gold. Lin Ying-Shin of Taiwan secured silver with a score of 250.7 and Romania's Laura Georgeta Coman finished third with a score of 229. Interestingly, Ying-Shin won the qualifiers of ISSF World Cup Final where Elavenil stood second. Another Indian Mehuli Ghosh finished third in the 10m air rifle category. Later in the day, Divyansh, who finished third in the qualifiers, bagged gold with a score of 250.1 in a neck and neck fight with Hungary's Istvan Peni (250). Slovakia's Patrik Jany secured bronze with 228.4 points. India faced disappointment in men's 10m air pistol event where both Abhishek Verma and Saurabh Chaudhary couldn't able to end up with the medals. Verma came first in the qualification but finished fifth in the finals with a score of 179.4. Chaudhary was seventh in the qualification and finished with the sixth spot (159.8).

ISSF World Cup Final: India achieve historic feat as Manu Bhaker, Elavenil Valarivan and Divyansh Panwar win golds

Shooters Manu Bhaker and Saurabh Chaudhary teamed up to win India’s second gold medal at the ongoing ISSF World Cup in Beijing, China on Thursday.

Bhaker-Chaudhary defeated their Chinese opponents 16-6 in the final to win the elusive yellow metal.

However, Bhaker had failed to shine in 10m Women’s Air Pistol event at the World Cup and could not even qualify for the finals but the teenager made the corrective measures in the mixed team event.

Earlier in the day, Anjum Moudgil and Divyansh Singh Panwar won India’s first gold medal at the World Cup.

The pair of Moudgil-Panwar won a closely contested final 17-15 against Chinese pair of Liu Ruxuan and Yang Haoran.

Shooters Manu Bhaker and Saurabh Chaudhary teamed up to win India’s second gold medal at the ongoing ISSF World Cup in Beijing, China on Thursday. Bhaker-Chaudhary defeated their Chinese opponents 16-6 in the final to win the elusive yellow metal.

Shooters Manu Bhaker and Saurabh Chaudhary teamed up to win India’s second gold medal at the ongoing ISSF World Cup in Beijing, China on Thursday. Bhaker-Chaudhary defeated their Chinese opponents 16-6 in the final to win the elusive yellow metal. However, Bhaker had failed to shine in 10m Women’s Air Pistol event at the World Cup and could not even qualify for the finals but the teenager made the corrective measures in the mixed team event. Earlier in the day, Anjum Moudgil and Divyansh Singh Panwar won India’s first gold medal at the World Cup. The pair of Moudgil-Panwar won a closely contested final 17-15 against Chinese pair of Liu Ruxuan and Yang Haoran.

ISSF World Cup: Manu Bhaker-Saurabh Chaudhary win gold in 10m Air Pistol Mixed team event

The trailblazing teenaged duo of Saurabh Chaudhary and Manu Bhaker comfortably claimed the gold medal in the 10m air pistol mixed team event of the ISSF World Cup here Wednesday.

The Indian pair shot a total of 483.5 to finish on top of the podium to finish the tournament with a flourish after a few results that did not go their way over the last three days.

The Chinese duo of Ranxin Jiang and Bowen Zhang won silver with 477.7, while the bronze went to the Korean pair of Minjung Kim and Daehun Park (418.8) at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range.

Such was the Indian duo's dominance through the final that the difference between gold and silver medallist at the end was a hopping at the end was 5.8.

Having entered the final after equalling the qualification world record, Saurabh and Manu continued in the same vein and once they moved to the top spot, there was no looking back as they consistently shot high and mid 10.

The other Indian team in the fray, Heena Sidhu and Abhishek Verma, could not clear the qualification hurdle.

The Indian shooters in 10m air rifle mixed team event ? Ravi Kumar and Anjum Moudgil and Apurvi Chandela and Deepak Kumar finished seventh and 25th respectively.

India jointly topped the standings with Hungary with three gold medals, but managed to secure only one Olympic quota. The tournament offered 14 quota places for the 2020 Tokyo Games.

The trailblazing teenaged duo of Saurabh Chaudhary and Manu Bhaker comfortably claimed the gold medal in the 10m air pistol mixed team event of the ISSF World Cup here Wednesday.

The trailblazing teenaged duo of Saurabh Chaudhary and Manu Bhaker comfortably claimed the gold medal in the 10m air pistol mixed team event of the ISSF World Cup here Wednesday. The Indian pair shot a total of 483.5 to finish on top of the podium to finish the tournament with a flourish after a few results that did not go their way over the last three days. The Chinese duo of Ranxin Jiang and Bowen Zhang won silver with 477.7, while the bronze went to the Korean pair of Minjung Kim and Daehun Park (418.8) at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range. Such was the Indian duo's dominance through the final that the difference between gold and silver medallist at the end was a hopping at the end was 5.8. Having entered the final after equalling the qualification world record, Saurabh and Manu continued in the same vein and once they moved to the top spot, there was no looking back as they consistently shot high and mid 10. The other Indian team in the fray, Heena Sidhu and Abhishek Verma, could not clear the qualification hurdle. The Indian shooters in 10m air rifle mixed team event ? Ravi Kumar and Anjum Moudgil and Apurvi Chandela and Deepak Kumar finished seventh and 25th respectively. India jointly topped the standings with Hungary with three gold medals, but managed to secure only one Olympic quota. The tournament offered 14 quota places for the 2020 Tokyo Games.

ISSF World shooting: Saurabh, Manu combine to shoot gold in 10m air pistol mixed event

As the year grew old, the ages of India's shooting champions got younger and if the medals won and world records owned by the incredibly talented teenagers are anything to go by, better days await the sport.&nbsp;

While the podiums and records are a fair reflection of shooting's unprecedented upswing over the last 12 months, the soaring expectations from its young guns speak volumes about the talent at its disposal.&nbsp;

Manu Bhaker won almost everywhere, the rare blip being her inexplicable meltdown at the Asian Games finals. The 16-year-old girl was favoured to beat women double her age and experience in the showpiece and when the script did not unfold on expected lines, she exited the 25m range teary-eyed.&nbsp;

Heightened expectations from a teenager competing in a top-flight senior event is rare, but the breed that Bhaker belongs to is also rare.&nbsp;

Teen pistol sensation Saurabh Chaudhary, who can now do without an introduction, is a shooter of Bhaker's ilk.&nbsp;

Out of nowhere, Esha Singh, 13, announced her arrival in spectacular fashion, nonchalantly trouncing the established names, Bhaker included, as well as Heena Sidhu on her way to winning three gold medals at the Nationals.&nbsp;

In the same tournament, Mehuli Ghosh's partner in winning the junior mixed team and youth mixed team air rifle events was a 10-year old Abhinav Shaw.&nbsp;

Taking the sport by storm was Chaudhary, who is as young as Jhajjar girl Bhaker and equal in skill and achievements. He not only won medals, he won them in gold, and with records to boost on a couple of occasions.&nbsp;

The teenaged shooters dominated the sport as if they had been pulling the trigger for years.&nbsp;

Anjum Moudgil, Mehuli, Saurabh, Bhaker, Anish and Esha Singh - in descending order of age - are among the string of young talents who made headlines.&nbsp;

The progress has left everyone hopeful of good times ahead, including India's lone individual Olympic gold medallist, Abhinav Bindra.&nbsp;

"In shooting we are pretty developed. There were 27 medals in the World Championship in which we did fantastically well. We just need to keep our heads focused and continue that process," Bindra said recently.&nbsp;

"We seem to be quite fortunate because we have a string of young shooting athletes, coming through day in and day out, and I think that's a very positive sign for the long-term development of shooting," the 36-year-old added.&nbsp;

Saying that the sport enjoyed a phenomenal year, simply riding on the teenagers, would be appropriate.&nbsp;

On her part, Bhaker said, "We saw the youth power this year, it feels really good that teenagers are doing so well and achieving their goals. We have set our goals and are working on that only. It is very surprising that suddenly all of us are doing so well."&nbsp;

Bhaker and Chaudhary became household names, winning five and six international gold medals in the year respectively, including the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, Youth Olympic Games, ISSF World Cup (both junior and senior) and Asian Championship Gold medals between them.&nbsp;

The 23-year-old Angad Veer Singh Bajwa did what no other skeet shooter had done before at the Asian Shotgun Championships.&nbsp;

He shot a perfect 60 out of 60 in the final to own the world record, beating the score of 59 achieved multiple times by American two-time Olympic champion, world champion and skeet legend, Vincent Hancock.&nbsp;

Angad had been in and out of the Indian team for more than two years, has come up the junior ranks and has done what no other Indian skeet shooter has ever done - winning an Asian Championship gold and owning the skeet world record.&nbsp;

Given that his teammates Sheeraz Shaikh and Mairaj Khan are also shooting good scores consistently, Angad's achievement bodes well for the future.&nbsp;

Similarly, in rifle, teenagers Mehuli Ghosh and Elavenil Valarivan showed their class by winning a host of medals including gold in the Junior and Senior World Cups and Junior World Championships as well as in the Youth Olympic Games.&nbsp;

The 24-year-old Anjum Moudgil emerged as the country's top woman rifle shooter, winning a World Championship silver and bagging the country's first Tokyo Olympics quota place in the process and then ending with a clean sweep of the air rifle titles at the Shooting Nationals.&nbsp;

Young Akhil Sheoran, 22, also won an ISSF World Cup gold in men's air rifle in the beginning of the year, which means the likes of Deepak Kumar and Ravi Kumar, India team regulars, will be on their toes at all times.&nbsp;

What has also excited shooting enthusiasts is the quality of the bench strength.&nbsp;

India will finish the year with as many as 11 world records, two of them in the senior category.&nbsp;

Away from the range, National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) president Raninder Singh became the first Indian to be elected vice-president of the&nbsp;International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF).&nbsp;

The iconic Bindra was conferred the sport's highest honour for his services as the chairman of the apex body's Athletes Committee.&nbsp;

As the year grew old, the ages of India's shooting champions got younger and if the medals won and world records owned by the incredibly talented teenagers are anything to go by, better days await the sport.

As the year grew old, the ages of India's shooting champions got younger and if the medals won and world records owned by the incredibly talented teenagers are anything to go by, better days await the sport. While the podiums and records are a fair reflection of shooting's unprecedented upswing over the last 12 months, the soaring expectations from its young guns speak volumes about the talent at its disposal. Manu Bhaker won almost everywhere, the rare blip being her inexplicable meltdown at the Asian Games finals. The 16-year-old girl was favoured to beat women double her age and experience in the showpiece and when the script did not unfold on expected lines, she exited the 25m range teary-eyed. Heightened expectations from a teenager competing in a top-flight senior event is rare, but the breed that Bhaker belongs to is also rare. Teen pistol sensation Saurabh Chaudhary, who can now do without an introduction, is a shooter of Bhaker's ilk. Out of nowhere, Esha Singh, 13, announced her arrival in spectacular fashion, nonchalantly trouncing the established names, Bhaker included, as well as Heena Sidhu on her way to winning three gold medals at the Nationals. In the same tournament, Mehuli Ghosh's partner in winning the junior mixed team and youth mixed team air rifle events was a 10-year old Abhinav Shaw. Taking the sport by storm was Chaudhary, who is as young as Jhajjar girl Bhaker and equal in skill and achievements. He not only won medals, he won them in gold, and with records to boost on a couple of occasions. The teenaged shooters dominated the sport as if they had been pulling the trigger for years. Anjum Moudgil, Mehuli, Saurabh, Bhaker, Anish and Esha Singh - in descending order of age - are among the string of young talents who made headlines. The progress has left everyone hopeful of good times ahead, including India's lone individual Olympic gold medallist, Abhinav Bindra. "In shooting we are pretty developed. There were 27 medals in the World Championship in which we did fantastically well. We just need to keep our heads focused and continue that process," Bindra said recently. "We seem to be quite fortunate because we have a string of young shooting athletes, coming through day in and day out, and I think that's a very positive sign for the long-term development of shooting," the 36-year-old added. Saying that the sport enjoyed a phenomenal year, simply riding on the teenagers, would be appropriate. On her part, Bhaker said, "We saw the youth power this year, it feels really good that teenagers are doing so well and achieving their goals. We have set our goals and are working on that only. It is very surprising that suddenly all of us are doing so well." Bhaker and Chaudhary became household names, winning five and six international gold medals in the year respectively, including the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, Youth Olympic Games, ISSF World Cup (both junior and senior) and Asian Championship Gold medals between them. The 23-year-old Angad Veer Singh Bajwa did what no other skeet shooter had done before at the Asian Shotgun Championships. He shot a perfect 60 out of 60 in the final to own the world record, beating the score of 59 achieved multiple times by American two-time Olympic champion, world champion and skeet legend, Vincent Hancock. Angad had been in and out of the Indian team for more than two years, has come up the junior ranks and has done what no other Indian skeet shooter has ever done - winning an Asian Championship gold and owning the skeet world record. Given that his teammates Sheeraz Shaikh and Mairaj Khan are also shooting good scores consistently, Angad's achievement bodes well for the future. Similarly, in rifle, teenagers Mehuli Ghosh and Elavenil Valarivan showed their class by winning a host of medals including gold in the Junior and Senior World Cups and Junior World Championships as well as in the Youth Olympic Games. The 24-year-old Anjum Moudgil emerged as the country's top woman rifle shooter, winning a World Championship silver and bagging the country's first Tokyo Olympics quota place in the process and then ending with a clean sweep of the air rifle titles at the Shooting Nationals. Young Akhil Sheoran, 22, also won an ISSF World Cup gold in men's air rifle in the beginning of the year, which means the likes of Deepak Kumar and Ravi Kumar, India team regulars, will be on their toes at all times. What has also excited shooting enthusiasts is the quality of the bench strength. India will finish the year with as many as 11 world records, two of them in the senior category. Away from the range, National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) president Raninder Singh became the first Indian to be elected vice-president of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF). The iconic Bindra was conferred the sport's highest honour for his services as the chairman of the apex body's Athletes Committee.

Young Indian shooters in 2018: Manu Bhaker, Saurabh Chaudhary, Mehuli Ghosh promise gold rush in future

Teen shooting sensation Manu Bhaker says her aim is to secure a quota place for the 2020 Olympics.

Having left her mark in almost all the top events, the 16-year-old Bhaker is now focussed on making the cut for the Tokyo Games.

Bhaker, who started the year with gold medals in her maiden senior World Cup, added two more yellow metals at the Commonwealth Games and the Youth Olympics, the first by an Indian shooter.

"My aim now is to win Olympic quota," Bhaker told PTI.

The year saw a string of young shooters including Saurabh Chaudhary and Bhaker scale great heights in the sport. The youngsters came out on top at the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, the Youth Olympics and the Senior Nationals.

"We saw the youth power this year, it feels really good that teenagers are doing so well and achieving their goals. We have set our goals and are working hard, it is very surprising that suddenly all of us are doing so well. I feel very nice when I see youngsters performer," Bhaker said.

Indian shooting has a bright future with the abundance of young talent at its disposal. The recently-concluded National Shooting Championship saw 13-year-old Esha Singh upstage big names like Bhaker and Heena Sidhu in the women's air pistol events to win three gold medals.

Unlike other sports, shooting allows the youngster to participate in both the senior and junior events. Such exposure has benefitted the younger generation.

"Even in the senior events most of the competitors are from juniors and it helps us. In shooting we juniors get the opportunity to participate in the senior events that is not the case in wrestling and boxing," the World Cup gold medallist said.&nbsp;

Teen shooting sensation Manu Bhaker says her aim is to secure a quota place for the 2020 Olympics. Having left her mark in almost all the top events, the 16-year-old Bhaker is now focussed on making the cut for the Tokyo Games.

Teen shooting sensation Manu Bhaker says her aim is to secure a quota place for the 2020 Olympics. Having left her mark in almost all the top events, the 16-year-old Bhaker is now focussed on making the cut for the Tokyo Games. Bhaker, who started the year with gold medals in her maiden senior World Cup, added two more yellow metals at the Commonwealth Games and the Youth Olympics, the first by an Indian shooter. "My aim now is to win Olympic quota," Bhaker told PTI. The year saw a string of young shooters including Saurabh Chaudhary and Bhaker scale great heights in the sport. The youngsters came out on top at the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, the Youth Olympics and the Senior Nationals. "We saw the youth power this year, it feels really good that teenagers are doing so well and achieving their goals. We have set our goals and are working hard, it is very surprising that suddenly all of us are doing so well. I feel very nice when I see youngsters performer," Bhaker said. Indian shooting has a bright future with the abundance of young talent at its disposal. The recently-concluded National Shooting Championship saw 13-year-old Esha Singh upstage big names like Bhaker and Heena Sidhu in the women's air pistol events to win three gold medals. Unlike other sports, shooting allows the youngster to participate in both the senior and junior events. Such exposure has benefitted the younger generation. "Even in the senior events most of the competitors are from juniors and it helps us. In shooting we juniors get the opportunity to participate in the senior events that is not the case in wrestling and boxing," the World Cup gold medallist said.

Aim is to secure 2020 Olympic quota place: Manu Bhaker

Teen shooting sensations Manu Bhaker and Saurabh Chaudhary shattered the junior world record on their way to winning the 10m air pistol mixed team gold medal in the 11th Asian Airgun Championships here on Friday.

On the concluding day of the tournament, the Indians got the better of the Chinese pairing of Wang Xiaoyu and Hong Shuqi in the final.

India's junior shooting squad thus ended the championship with a tally of 11 medals, including four gold.

Youth Olympic Games champions Manu and Saurabh finished with a score of 485.4 in the final, well ahead of the Chinese who managed 477.9.&nbsp;

A second Chinese team won bronze while India's second pair in the finals, Abhidnya Patil and Anmol Jain, finished fourth.

In the qualifying, the pair of Manu and Saurabh were second among five teams, with a combined score of 762 out of 800. They logged the same score as the table topping Chinese pair of Wang and Hong, but lost out due to lesser inner 10s.&nbsp;

Abhidnya and Anmol were third with a total score of 760.

This was Saurabh's third gold medal in two days having won the team and individual 10m air pistol events on Thursday, while Manu bagged the team silver.

Teen shooting sensations Manu Bhaker and Saurabh Chaudhary shattered the junior world record on their way to winning the 10m air pistol mixed team gold medal in the 11th Asian Airgun Championships here on Friday.

Teen shooting sensations Manu Bhaker and Saurabh Chaudhary shattered the junior world record on their way to winning the 10m air pistol mixed team gold medal in the 11th Asian Airgun Championships here on Friday. On the concluding day of the tournament, the Indians got the better of the Chinese pairing of Wang Xiaoyu and Hong Shuqi in the final. India's junior shooting squad thus ended the championship with a tally of 11 medals, including four gold. Youth Olympic Games champions Manu and Saurabh finished with a score of 485.4 in the final, well ahead of the Chinese who managed 477.9. A second Chinese team won bronze while India's second pair in the finals, Abhidnya Patil and Anmol Jain, finished fourth. In the qualifying, the pair of Manu and Saurabh were second among five teams, with a combined score of 762 out of 800. They logged the same score as the table topping Chinese pair of Wang and Hong, but lost out due to lesser inner 10s. Abhidnya and Anmol were third with a total score of 760. This was Saurabh's third gold medal in two days having won the team and individual 10m air pistol events on Thursday, while Manu bagged the team silver.

Shooting: Manu-Saurabh win mixed event gold with junior world record

Manu Bhaker won a silver medal in the 10m air pistol mixed international event at the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) on Friday.

She became the second Indian after&nbsp;Tababi Devi to win two medals at the YOG.

In a unique format, Manu combined with Tajikistan's Behzan Fayzullaev and settled for a silver after losing the gold medal match 3-10 to Germany's Vanessa Seeger and Bulgaria's Kiril Kirov.

The India-Tajik pair had on Thursday come through qualification with a score of 751.&nbsp;

They then beat an Egyptian-Thai pair 10-4 in the round of 16 at the Parque Polideportivo Roca shooting range in the Argentine capital.&nbsp;

They beat a pair from Lithuania and Moldova 10-8 in the quarterfinals and then overcame Andria Ibarra of Mexico and Dymtro Honta of Ukraine 10-3 in the semifinals.

Earlier, she claimed a gold medal in the women’s 10m air pistol event.&nbsp;

Bhaker, who failed to leave a mark in the recently-concluded Asian Games, displayed a spectacular performance and shot 236.5 to stand at the top of the points table in the women’s 10m air pistol event.&nbsp;

Bhaker, who was India’s flag bearer at the opening ceremony of the Youth Olympics, topped the qualifying with 576, which included a series of 95, 96, 96, 96, 95, 98, finishing second and third in the qualification.

Manu Bhaker won a silver medal in the 10m air pistol mixed international event at the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) on Friday. She became the second Indian after Tababi Devi to win two medals at the YOG.

Manu Bhaker won a silver medal in the 10m air pistol mixed international event at the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) on Friday. She became the second Indian after Tababi Devi to win two medals at the YOG. In a unique format, Manu combined with Tajikistan's Behzan Fayzullaev and settled for a silver after losing the gold medal match 3-10 to Germany's Vanessa Seeger and Bulgaria's Kiril Kirov. The India-Tajik pair had on Thursday come through qualification with a score of 751. They then beat an Egyptian-Thai pair 10-4 in the round of 16 at the Parque Polideportivo Roca shooting range in the Argentine capital. They beat a pair from Lithuania and Moldova 10-8 in the quarterfinals and then overcame Andria Ibarra of Mexico and Dymtro Honta of Ukraine 10-3 in the semifinals. Earlier, she claimed a gold medal in the women’s 10m air pistol event. Bhaker, who failed to leave a mark in the recently-concluded Asian Games, displayed a spectacular performance and shot 236.5 to stand at the top of the points table in the women’s 10m air pistol event. Bhaker, who was India’s flag bearer at the opening ceremony of the Youth Olympics, topped the qualifying with 576, which included a series of 95, 96, 96, 96, 95, 98, finishing second and third in the qualification.

Youth Olympic Games: Manu Bhaker wins silver in 10m air pistol mixed international

Shooter Saurabh Chaudhary today won the gold medal in the 10 meters air pistol final at the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/16-year-old-bhaker-wins-indias-first-ever-gold-in-shooting-at-youth-olympics-170518">Also Read:&nbsp;16-year-old Manu </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/16-year-old-bhaker-wins-indias-first-ever-gold-in-shooting-at-youth-olympics-170518">Bhaker</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/16-year-old-bhaker-wins-indias-first-ever-gold-in-shooting-at-youth-olympics-170518"> wins India’s first ever gold in shooting at Youth Olympics</a>

Chaudhary's exploits helped India to clinch its third gold medal at the Youth Olympics.

The 16-year-old shooter, who had won the gold at the&nbsp;Jakarta &nbsp;Asian Games recently, shot 244.2 to beat his South Korean rival Sung Yunho by 7.5 points. The bronze medal was bagged by Switzerland's Solari Jason.

Meerut-born Chaudhary had earlier topped the qualifying stage of the event.

On Tuesday, India's Manu Bhakar had won the first ever gold medal for India in shooting at the youth games after she shot 236.5 in the 10 meters pistol event beating her Russian rival narrowly who hit 235.9.

Bhakar, who was India’s flag bearer at the opening ceremony of the Youth Olympics had topped the qualifying with 576 points.

15-year-old weightlifter Jeremy Lalrinnunga had started India's gold medal hunt claiming the top honours in the 62kg category on Monday. The Aizwal weightlifter lifted a total of 274 kg (124 kg +150 kg) to finish on top.

Shooter Saurabh Chaudhary today won the gold medal in the 10 meters air pistol final at the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires. Also Read: 16-year-old Manu Bhaker wins India’s first ever gold in shooting at Youth Olympics Chaudhary's exploits helped India to clinch its third gold medal at the Youth Olympics.

Shooter Saurabh Chaudhary today won the gold medal in the 10 meters air pistol final at the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires. Also Read: 16-year-old Manu Bhaker wins India’s first ever gold in shooting at Youth Olympics Chaudhary's exploits helped India to clinch its third gold medal at the Youth Olympics. The 16-year-old shooter, who had won the gold at the Jakarta Asian Games recently, shot 244.2 to beat his South Korean rival Sung Yunho by 7.5 points. The bronze medal was bagged by Switzerland's Solari Jason. Meerut-born Chaudhary had earlier topped the qualifying stage of the event. On Tuesday, India's Manu Bhakar had won the first ever gold medal for India in shooting at the youth games after she shot 236.5 in the 10 meters pistol event beating her Russian rival narrowly who hit 235.9. Bhakar, who was India’s flag bearer at the opening ceremony of the Youth Olympics had topped the qualifying with 576 points. 15-year-old weightlifter Jeremy Lalrinnunga had started India's gold medal hunt claiming the top honours in the 62kg category on Monday. The Aizwal weightlifter lifted a total of 274 kg (124 kg +150 kg) to finish on top.

Asian Games champion shooter Saurabh Chaudhary wins gold at Youth Olympics

16-year-old&nbsp;Manu Bhaker on Tuesday became the first shooter from India to win claim a gold medal at the Youth Olympic Games taking place in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Bhaker, who failed to leave a mark in the recently-concluded Asian Games, displayed a spectacular performance and shot 236.5 to stand at the top of the points table in the women’s 10m air pistol event.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Russia's Iana Enina clinched the silver medal with a score of 235. 9 and Nino Khutsiberidze settled for the bronze medal.

The World Cup and Commonwealth Games gold medallist began with a shot of 10.0 in the final, adding a 10.1 and 10.4, leading the Stage 1 with 99.3.

She shot 9.8 in the 2nd Stage but made an immediate comeback with a score of 10.1 and 9.9 to stay at the top.

Bhaker, who was India’s flag bearer at the opening ceremony of the Youth Olympics, topped the qualifying with 576, which included a series of 95, 96, 96, 96, 95, 98, finishing second and third in the qualification.

16-year-old Manu Bhaker on Tuesday became the first shooter from India to win claim a gold medal at the Youth Olympic Games taking place in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

16-year-old Manu Bhaker on Tuesday became the first shooter from India to win claim a gold medal at the Youth Olympic Games taking place in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Bhaker, who failed to leave a mark in the recently-concluded Asian Games, displayed a spectacular performance and shot 236.5 to stand at the top of the points table in the women’s 10m air pistol event. Meanwhile, Russia's Iana Enina clinched the silver medal with a score of 235. 9 and Nino Khutsiberidze settled for the bronze medal. The World Cup and Commonwealth Games gold medallist began with a shot of 10.0 in the final, adding a 10.1 and 10.4, leading the Stage 1 with 99.3. She shot 9.8 in the 2nd Stage but made an immediate comeback with a score of 10.1 and 9.9 to stay at the top. Bhaker, who was India’s flag bearer at the opening ceremony of the Youth Olympics, topped the qualifying with 576, which included a series of 95, 96, 96, 96, 95, 98, finishing second and third in the qualification.

16-year-old Manu Bhaker wins India’s first ever gold in shooting at Youth Olympics

Manu Bhaker clinched gold in the women’s 10m air pistol event after she shot a qualifying CWG record score of 388/400 in her first appearance at the Games.

Bhaker was recently invited to a felicitation ceremony in Haryana and was insulted there. The images from the event clearly displayed that she was made sit on the floor.

Recently, Manu Bhaker made it absolutely clear that she made the gesture of sitting on the floor on her own. While interacting with media, she said that few elders were present at the event so she offered her seat to them and preferred to sit on the floor.

"During the felicitation ceremony, I sat on the ground on my own. There was space but I preferred to sit on the ground as few elders present at the event: Manu Bhaker," said CWG gold medallist Manu Bhaker.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
During the felicitation ceremony I sat on ground on my own. There was space but I preferred to sit on ground as few elders present at the event: Manu Bhaker, gold medal winner at Commonwealth Games 2018 on felicitation ceremony incident <a href="https://t.co/pqjyY0kSEm">pic.twitter.com/pqjyY0kSEm</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/986499513216065536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat who won silver in women's freestyle 50 kg and Babita Kumari who bagged silver medal in women's freestyle 62 kg were also invited to the ceremony. The event was organised by Phogat Khap in the town of Charkhi Dadri.

Manu Bhaker said that few elders were present at the event so she offered her seat to them and preferred to sit on the floor

Manu Bhaker clinched gold in the women’s 10m air pistol event after she shot a qualifying CWG record score of 388/400 in her first appearance at the Games. Bhaker was recently invited to a felicitation ceremony in Haryana and was insulted there. The images from the event clearly displayed that she was made sit on the floor. Recently, Manu Bhaker made it absolutely clear that she made the gesture of sitting on the floor on her own. While interacting with media, she said that few elders were present at the event so she offered her seat to them and preferred to sit on the floor. "During the felicitation ceremony, I sat on the ground on my own. There was space but I preferred to sit on the ground as few elders present at the event: Manu Bhaker," said CWG gold medallist Manu Bhaker. During the felicitation ceremony I sat on ground on my own. There was space but I preferred to sit on ground as few elders present at the event: Manu Bhaker, gold medal winner at Commonwealth Games 2018 on felicitation ceremony incident pic.twitter.com/pqjyY0kSEm — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 × Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat who won silver in women's freestyle 50 kg and Babita Kumari who bagged silver medal in women's freestyle 62 kg were also invited to the ceremony. The event was organised by Phogat Khap in the town of Charkhi Dadri.

Not insulted, I sat on the ground on my own: CWG gold medallist Manu Bhaker

After <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/cwg-2018:-manu-bhaker,-punam-yadav,-manika-batra-shine-as-india-bags-6-medals-on-sunday-129213#photo-129196">16-year-old Manu Bhaker clinched gold </a>for India in women's 10 meter&nbsp;air pistol on Sunday, Indian men's team member Jitu Rai won gold in 10 meters air pistol event with Om Mitharwal bagging the bronze at the Commonwealth Games(CWG) on Monday.

Jitu created a new CWG record of 235.1 in the final to win the gold. Kerry Bell of Australia took silver with 233.5.

On Sunday, Heena Sidhu had won the silver medal in the 10-meter pistol event falling behind India's Manu Bhaker. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
In the men's air pistol event, shooter Ravi Kumar shot &nbsp;224.1 to bag the bronze medal in the Men's 10 meters Air Rifle final as Indian shooters continued to bag medals at the CWG.

In weightlifting, Pradeep Singh won silver in men's 105 kg weightlifting on Monday as Indias medal's tally continued to climb.

In weightlifting, Pradeep Singh won silver in men's 105 kg weightlifting on Monday as India's medal's tally continued to climb.

After 16-year-old Manu Bhaker clinched gold for India in women's 10 meter air pistol on Sunday, Indian men's team member Jitu Rai won gold in 10 meters air pistol event with Om Mitharwal bagging the bronze at the Commonwealth Games(CWG) on Monday. Jitu created a new CWG record of 235.1 in the final to win the gold. Kerry Bell of Australia took silver with 233.5. On Sunday, Heena Sidhu had won the silver medal in the 10-meter pistol event falling behind India's Manu Bhaker. In the men's air pistol event, shooter Ravi Kumar shot 224.1 to bag the bronze medal in the Men's 10 meters Air Rifle final as Indian shooters continued to bag medals at the CWG. In weightlifting, Pradeep Singh won silver in men's 105 kg weightlifting on Monday as Indias medal's tally continued to climb.

CWG 2018: Jitu Rai clinches gold in air pistol event

India's 16-year-old Manu Bhaker comfortably won the gold in women's 10 air pistol while Heena Sidhu staged a remarkable recovery to secure silver at the 21st Commonwealth Games here today.

Shooter&nbsp;Ravi Kumar&nbsp;bagging a bronze medal in the Men's 10m Air Rifle final, taking India's tally to ten.&nbsp;Ravi Kumar&nbsp;fired a total of 224.1 to claim bronze, while his Indian counterpart Deepak Kumar got eliminated.

Bhaker's calm and composure belied her age as she shot 240.9 to break the Commonwealth Games record, finishing well ahead of her senior teammate Sidhu, who aggregated 234.

The bronze medal went to Australia's Elena Galiabovitch who ended with 214.9.

Bhaker was the overwhelming favourite to win the event, having bagged gold medals at the 2018 ISSF World Cup in Guadalajara, Mexico and the following Junior World Cup in Sydney.

Sidhu too did well to win silver after she was on the verge of elimination at one stage. She had also won a silver at the Delhi Games in 2010.&nbsp;

Bhaker was the overwhelming favourite to win the event, having bagged multiple gold medals at the 2018 ISSF World Cup in Guadalajara, Mexico and the subsequent Junior World Cup in Sydney.

The event in Mexico was also a maiden appearance for the young girl from the Jhajjar district in Haryana.

Such was India's dominance in the air pistol event that Bhaker and Sidhu were the only two shooters left in fray for the top honours.

On expected lines, Bhaker produced some excellent shooting and notched up 10 and above scores on 14 occasions in the eight-women finals, ending with a 10.4 to finish way ahead of pack.

Entering the Games after being embroiled in a controversy over the Sports Ministry's initial decision to refuse accreditation to her husband-cum-coach Ronak Pandit, Sidhu was off to a poor start and was staring at elimination at one stage, only to pull off a fine fightback and prove her detractors wrong.

After a series of scores of 9s, Sidhu found her bearings and shot 10-plus scores nine times to not just widen the gap but finish well ahead of the eventual bronze medallist.

There was no doubt about Bhaker -- she was miles ahead and certain to emerge champion when Sidhu and Galiabovitch were tied with 195 points with four more shots left in the finals. Bhaker had tallied 201.7 points by then.

After struggling to get going, Sidhu was back in medal contention with 175.3 points, courtesy a few 10-plus scores, even as Bhaker led with 180.2 points with six shots left.

Bhaker led with 141.5 points in Stage 2 Elimination, while Sidhu was placed sixth with 134.9 points.

Bhaker set the tempo when she recorded 101.5 at the end of first stage, leaving the others to play catch up for the rest of the finals. Her concentration was unwavering and she held her nerve all through to continue her golden run.

Shooting happened to her by chance after a brush with contact sports and for someone who took to the sport just a little over two years ago, winning with such consistency would easily qualify as some achievement.&nbsp;

The Indian shooters dominated the qualification stage, claiming the top two spots going into the final.

India's 16-year-old Manu Bhaker comfortably won the gold in women's 10 air pistol while Heena Sidhu staged a remarkable recovery to secure silver at the 21st Commonwealth Games here today. Shooter Ravi Kumar bagging a bronze medal in the Men's 10m Air Rifle final, taking India's tally to ten. Ravi Kumar fired a total of 224.1 to claim bronze, while his Indian counterpart Deepak Kumar got eliminated. Bhaker's calm and composure belied her age as she shot 240.9 to break the Commonwealth Games record, finishing well ahead of her senior teammate Sidhu, who aggregated 234. The bronze medal went to Australia's Elena Galiabovitch who ended with 214.9. Bhaker was the overwhelming favourite to win the event, having bagged gold medals at the 2018 ISSF World Cup in Guadalajara, Mexico and the following Junior World Cup in Sydney. Sidhu too did well to win silver after she was on the verge of elimination at one stage. She had also won a silver at the Delhi Games in 2010. Bhaker was the overwhelming favourite to win the event, having bagged multiple gold medals at the 2018 ISSF World Cup in Guadalajara, Mexico and the subsequent Junior World Cup in Sydney. The event in Mexico was also a maiden appearance for the young girl from the Jhajjar district in Haryana. Such was India's dominance in the air pistol event that Bhaker and Sidhu were the only two shooters left in fray for the top honours. On expected lines, Bhaker produced some excellent shooting and notched up 10 and above scores on 14 occasions in the eight-women finals, ending with a 10.4 to finish way ahead of pack. Entering the Games after being embroiled in a controversy over the Sports Ministry's initial decision to refuse accreditation to her husband-cum-coach Ronak Pandit, Sidhu was off to a poor start and was staring at elimination at one stage, only to pull off a fine fightback and prove her detractors wrong. After a series of scores of 9s, Sidhu found her bearings and shot 10-plus scores nine times to not just widen the gap but finish well ahead of the eventual bronze medallist. There was no doubt about Bhaker -- she was miles ahead and certain to emerge champion when Sidhu and Galiabovitch were tied with 195 points with four more shots left in the finals. Bhaker had tallied 201.7 points by then. After struggling to get going, Sidhu was back in medal contention with 175.3 points, courtesy a few 10-plus scores, even as Bhaker led with 180.2 points with six shots left. Bhaker led with 141.5 points in Stage 2 Elimination, while Sidhu was placed sixth with 134.9 points. Bhaker set the tempo when she recorded 101.5 at the end of first stage, leaving the others to play catch up for the rest of the finals. Her concentration was unwavering and she held her nerve all through to continue her golden run. Shooting happened to her by chance after a brush with contact sports and for someone who took to the sport just a little over two years ago, winning with such consistency would easily qualify as some achievement.

CWG 2018: Bhaker wins 10m pistol gold, Sidhu silver, Kumar bags men's bronze

Indian shooter Manu Bhaker bagged her second World Cup gold medal in&nbsp;a month, winning the junior women&#39;s 10m air pistol gold at the ongoing International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Junior World Cup Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun in Sydney, Australia.

The 16-year-old did a double on the day, winning the Team Gold in the event as well with compatriots Devanshi Rana, who missed out on an individual medal after being placed fourth in the final, and Mahima Turhi Agrawal to end an amazing month for herself and extend a golden six month or so period of excellent performances.

Earlier, Bhaker created waves across the shooting world by winning the Senior World Cup gold at the same 10m Air Pistol Olympic event, in her senior team debut.

She then traversed across the globe via India to faraway shoot this Gold in the Junior World Cup.

This comes after the Asian Championships silver last year in Japan to secure a Youth Olympics quota for her country and nine Golds at the Shooting Nationals, all in the span of six months.

On Saturday, the day four of the Junior World Cup, Manu qualified second with a score of 570 behind a Thai girl who was in great form throughout the day- Kanyakom Hirunphoem was a clear six points at the top with 576.

Also, Kanyakom, even though still a junior, was far more experienced than Manu, having represented her country in the Asian Games at Incheon, way back in 2014.She shot off the blocks very strong in the final as well and appeared to be peaking just at the right time, when she edged ahead of Manu at the end of the 20th shot of the 24-shot final.

The duo was well clear of the chasing pack of six from the very onset of the final. At the end of the 22nd shot, Kanyakom was a point clear of Manu and had 0.9 to defend on the last shot. Manu shot a 9.8 while Kanyakom faltered with a 7.9 to seal the deal for the Indian champion.

Manu finished with 235.9 to Kanyakom`s 234.9 while Kaiman Liu of China won Bronze with 214.2.

After briefly being in contention for the Bronze, India`s Devanshi Rana finished fourth with a finals score of 195.3.

The trio of Manu, Devanshi and Mahima logged a combined 1693 to win the Team Gold ahead of China (Silver with 1681) and Thailand (bronze with 1673).India also picked up a further one gold, two silvers and two bronze medals in the day to finish with five gold, two silvers and five bronze medals in total, just behind China who have six golds.

This comes after the Asian Championships silver last year in Japan

Indian shooter Manu Bhaker bagged her second World Cup gold medal in a month, winning the junior women's 10m air pistol gold at the ongoing International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Junior World Cup Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun in Sydney, Australia. The 16-year-old did a double on the day, winning the Team Gold in the event as well with compatriots Devanshi Rana, who missed out on an individual medal after being placed fourth in the final, and Mahima Turhi Agrawal to end an amazing month for herself and extend a golden six month or so period of excellent performances. Earlier, Bhaker created waves across the shooting world by winning the Senior World Cup gold at the same 10m Air Pistol Olympic event, in her senior team debut. She then traversed across the globe via India to faraway shoot this Gold in the Junior World Cup. This comes after the Asian Championships silver last year in Japan to secure a Youth Olympics quota for her country and nine Golds at the Shooting Nationals, all in the span of six months. On Saturday, the day four of the Junior World Cup, Manu qualified second with a score of 570 behind a Thai girl who was in great form throughout the day- Kanyakom Hirunphoem was a clear six points at the top with 576. Also, Kanyakom, even though still a junior, was far more experienced than Manu, having represented her country in the Asian Games at Incheon, way back in 2014.She shot off the blocks very strong in the final as well and appeared to be peaking just at the right time, when she edged ahead of Manu at the end of the 20th shot of the 24-shot final. The duo was well clear of the chasing pack of six from the very onset of the final. At the end of the 22nd shot, Kanyakom was a point clear of Manu and had 0.9 to defend on the last shot. Manu shot a 9.8 while Kanyakom faltered with a 7.9 to seal the deal for the Indian champion. Manu finished with 235.9 to Kanyakom`s 234.9 while Kaiman Liu of China won Bronze with 214.2. After briefly being in contention for the Bronze, India`s Devanshi Rana finished fourth with a finals score of 195.3. The trio of Manu, Devanshi and Mahima logged a combined 1693 to win the Team Gold ahead of China (Silver with 1681) and Thailand (bronze with 1673).India also picked up a further one gold, two silvers and two bronze medals in the day to finish with five gold, two silvers and five bronze medals in total, just behind China who have six golds.

ISSF Junior WC: Manu Bhaker bags gold in 10m Air Pistol

manu-bhaker

Manu Bhaker, News on Manu Bhaker, stories on Manu Bhaker, articles on Manu Bhaker, Manu Bhaker stories at Wion, Manu Bhaker news, Manu Bhaker latest news

manu bhaker